Artist Websites

Yet another task to add to the never-ending list of things you “should” do as an artist. Setting up an artist website is like admitting that you’re serious about this whole art thing, even if you secretly feel like a bit of a fraud most days. For instance take a look at this beautiful limited edition “G for Goliath Beetle” print from my kids’ book Uncommon Animals of the Alphabet. It’s sitting pretty on my website right now because, well, I actually have one.

Having a website isn’t just for those “real” artists you admire from afar. It’s for anyone who’s tired of relying solely on social media algorithms to decide whether their work gets seen or buried in the abyss. So, why not give your art the spotlight it deserves? I’m talking about a hub that acts as your business card, online gallery, and shop rolled into one.

If you’re an artist with a website, you’re basically one step ahead of everyone who thinks an Instagram profile is all they need. However Instagram could vanish tomorrow, and so could all your painstakingly curated posts. Your website, on the other hand, is yours to keep. Think of it as your little slice of the internet, your personal art gallery that never closes—no fancy art dealer or “gatekeeper of good taste” required.

And don’t even get me started on those social platforms that only allow one link in your bio. That’s like telling a dog it can only have one chew toy—cruel and unusual, right? But with your own website, you can set up a “Links” page to guide your followers to everything from your latest art sale to that blog post you wrote three years ago. Plus, you get to track traffic, and nothing says “I’m a professional” quite like knowing your bounce rate.

Keep posting on social media—just don’t let it be your entire strategy. Algorithms change, accounts get hacked, and sometimes they just decide to suspend you because, hey, who needs reasons? With your own website, you’re not playing by someone else’s rules. Think of it as your creative insurance policy.

Don’t neglect an email list either. It sounds old-school, like sending a carrier pigeon, but email is still the one communication channel you actually own. It’s where your collectors, fans, and curious onlookers can always find you, no matter what happens to your social accounts. And, if you’re feeling ambitious, collecting postal addresses for sending out surprise gifts or prints is an extra level of connection that goes beyond “likes” and “follows” (I haven’t gotten around to doing this myself yet, but it’s definitely on my to-do list).

What Should Go On Your Website?

I think first off, make sure you have a gallery of artworks available for sale—always. Whether you’re using print-on-demand services or fulfilling orders yourself, having art ready for purchase 24/7 i think is a must. You never know when someone might impulsively decide they need a beetle print at 3 AM.

Don’t forget to add some lower-cost merch, too. Not everyone can drop a few hundred bucks on an original piece, but maybe they’ll buy a mug, a sticker, or a t-shirt featuring your art. Think of it as letting your art infiltrate their daily lives in small, manageable doses.

What are your favorite websites?

I love artist websites. There’s just something so satisfying about seeing a well-thought-out digital space that reflects an artist’s personality and style. It’s like being invited into their studio, without having to deal with the awkwardness of having your kids climbing the walls. If you’ve got a website, drop the link in the comments—I’d genuinely love to check it out. Because, let’s face it, if we’re not sharing our creative spaces, are we even artists?

Your website doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive. It doesn’t even have to be finished. It just needs to be there. Set it up, get your art on it, and tweak things as you go. Your future self—the one who actually sells that beetle print—will thank you.